Travis Kelce has played a key role in building the Kansas City Chiefs’ golden dynasty. His chemistry with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has powered the franchise to seven straight AFC Championship Games, five Super Bowl appearances, and — heading into Sunday — three Super Bowl victories.
Let’s look at Kelce’s contract and where he ranks among the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.
Is Travis Kelce the NFL’s Highest-Paid Tight End?
The Chiefs selected Kelce in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 63rd overall pick. Since debuting in 2014, he has surpassed 800 yards receiving every season except his rookie year, eclipsing 1,000 yards seven times.
In April, Kelce agreed to a contract extension with Kansas City that raised his 2024 salary by $4 million and converted most of his 2025 salary to a roster bonus. He earned $19,551,667 this season, making him the NFL’s highest-paid tight end.
The breakdown of that money includes $5.75 million in base salary, $2.55M that is prorated from a restructured contract, an $11M roster bonus, and $250,000 workout bonus.
Kelce is currently on a two-year, $34.25 million contract with the Chiefs, including $17 million guaranteed. He is scheduled to hit free agency in 2026, though many expect him to retire within the next two years.
Kelce, 35, had his lowest regular-season yardage total since 2014, finishing with 97 receptions for 823 yards. However, in the biggest moments, he remains one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.
He delivered a dominant performance in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, posting a season-high 117 yards, including a 49-yard catch-and-run, and a touchdown.
Kelce believes he can keep playing at a high level for several more seasons. Speaking to reporters during Super Bowl Week, he discussed his future in the NFL:
#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was asked about the future of his football career:
“Where will I be in three years? Hopefully still playing football…For the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”#SuperBowlLIX | #ChiefsKingdom | @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/31IIdB3NYy
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) February 4, 2025
“I love doing this. I love coming into work every day, and I still feel like I have a lot of good football left in me. … For the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”
The Chiefs’ No. 87 will have the opportunity to add another Super Bowl ring to his collection and complete an unprecedented three-peat when he takes the field against the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Chiefs Kingdom will be counting on the Kelce-Mahomes duo to deliver again in New Orleans.
